More than two years ago, Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced the city had applied for a state redevelopment grant to transform a neighborhood in south Allison Hill. City officials called the project, "Mulder Square," combining the names of the two main streets in the area: Mulberry and Derry.

The city was one of several partners who were prepared to pour millions into the neighborhood.

Last year, city officials learned they won a $3 million grant for their part of the project.

Christine Vendel | cvendel@pennlive.com

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Redesigned for pedestrians

The city's part of the project will change how traffic and pedestrians flow through the area by adding bumpouts and other traffic-calming measures. New trees, curb cuts and improved sidewalks are also part of the package.

As it stands, pedestrians must cross up to four lanes of traffic in areas where two streets clumsily merge into one.

The city's investment in infrastructure will buoy several other planned housing projects in the area for a grand total of more than $30 million in investment in south Allison Hill.

"The city's role is to set the table," for additional investment, said Jackie Parker, the city's community and economic development director.

This week, work began on one of the major housing developments.

Christine Vendel | cvendel@pennlive.com

Watch a bull dozer in action Monday, May 15, 2017.

Tri-County Housing Development

One of the city's partners in the Mulder Square project is the Tri-County Housing Development Corporation.

For their part, they are tearing down five blighted homes in the 200 block of Hummel Street and replacing them with four new townhomes.

Tri-County also is renovating three blighted homes across the street as part of their $2.2 million investment.

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Break out the bull dozer

Tri-County began pre-demolition work on May 15, 2017 by clearing the back lots behind the five homes slated for demolition.

Once the trees and brush are clear, workers will tear off some additions built onto the back of these homes, and then contractors will empty the homes of accumulated trash.

Finally, workers will raze the buildings. That work could start as early as Friday May 19, but most likely will begin the following week.